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Terry Koshan, QMI Agency

The Argonauts are getting down to brass tacks in their search for a new head coach.

It’s believed the Argos began interviewing candidates in person Tuesday. A man high on their list, Montreal Alouettes offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich, is scheduled for an interview Thursday.

Those who have made the short list include Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall, Calgary Stampeders defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones, and Doug Berry, a former head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In other words, the Argos have zero interest in making the same mistake they made a year ago, when they hired Bart Andrus, who had no Canadian Football League experience and did not see fit to surround himself with those who did. Andrus finally was fired in mid-December, more than a month after the Argos’ 3-15 season came to a merciful end.

Marshall also is drawing interest from the Bombers.

Rita safe

The next coach will be the fourth for the Argos within two years, a period that has had a constant overseer in general manager Adam Rita. But Argos president Bob Nicholson acknowledged last week that until the club’s ownership issue is resolved, Rita’s future would not be clear. Many figure David Braley, who owns the B.C. Lions, will take over from co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, or at least become part of the ownership group, and if that happens, Rita likely would be safe.

Rita said last week the goal of the club was to have a new coach by Feb. 1. With free agency opening on Feb. 16, the new coach undoubtedly could provide some input.